Why Children Can Suffer From Hypertension Too
High blood pressure, or hypertension, was long thought to be an adult problem, with the incidence increasing among older age groups. However, with an increasing number of children now suffering from hypertension, a great deal of importance is being paid to this issue. One percent of children below the age of 12 and up to 6% of teenagers suffer from this problem, as evidenced by a number of studies. If a child’s blood pressure is higher than 95% of the children from the same race, gender and age group, he or she fits into the category of juvenile hypertension. Identifying the causes of hypertension in children has become a priority health matter.
Everyone recognizes that there are more and more obese people in the U.S. each year. The main fact is that this problem is not only for adults and it affects all age groups, children included. A startling 33% of children in this country are thought to be overweight to some extent. This is the main reason for childhood hypertension.
The connection between obesity and hypertension is still being researched, but the fact that it is a cause of hypertension in children as well as being one of the main causes of hypertension in adults is an established fact. Without the need for any medical intervention, this is the one factor that can be easily managed. If children are encouraged to spend more time outdoors, their natural energy will cause them to indulge in physical activity that will burn up the extra calories. It will do a lot towards eliminating a key hypertension factor in kids.
But obesity is not always caused by lack of exercise. Genetics is one of the reasons for obesity and the resulting hypertension in children. If the parents have weight issues or problems like diabetes, the children should be checked for genetic or glandular problems that have caused this condition and which can be treated by medication.
Other reason for obesity and high BP in children is mainly due to bad eating habits. Unhealthy ways of eating and junk food are very appealing to kids. Apart from a natural predisposition for fast food, locations serving this type of food are typically common teen hangouts. Once in the premises, their consumption of this unhealthy food tends to rise dramatically.
The causes of hypertension in children can also include a number of medical conditions that aren’t always obvious. These include sleep apnea, even in mild forms, lupus, glandular disorders, and kidney problems. Even psychological issues can cause a child to overeat. If a child is found to be suffering from hypertension, it is best to consult a doctor, even if obesity seems to be the obvious cause. There may be underlying aspects which causing the hypertension that might need treatment, apart from eliminating the obesity issue.
High blood pressure is a serious problem, particularly forms such as high blood pressure during pregnancy. It’s important that you do whatever you can towards effective high blood pressure control.
